Index 2024
46/ 180
Score : 69.8
Political indicator
46
64.44
Economic indicator
53
52.75
Legislative indicator
47
72.94
Social indicator
60
69.98
Security indicator
44
88.86
Index 2023
41/ 180
Score : 72.05
Political indicator
52
64.20
Economic indicator
51
55.04
Legislative indicator
27
80.32
Social indicator
68
73.86
Security indicator
35
86.83

Press freedom in Italy continues to be threatened by mafia organisations, particularly in the south of the country, as well as by various small, violent extremist groups. Journalists also denounce attempts by politicians to obstruct their freedom to cover judicial cases by means of a “gag law” – “legge bavaglio” – on top of the SLAPP procedures that are common practice in Italy. 

Media landscape

The Italian media landscape is developed and has a wide range of media outlets that guarantee a diversity of opinions. The broadcast sector includes several public TV channels (such as Rai 1) and radio stations, as well as many privately owned media outlets. This diversity is also found in the print media, which includes nearly 20 dailies (such as Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica), about 50 weeklies (such as L'Espresso and Famiglia Cristiana), and many magazines and various news websites.

Political context

For the most part, Italian journalists enjoy a climate of freedom. But they sometimes give in to self-censorship, either to conform to their news organisation’s editorial line, or to avoid a defamation suit or other form of legal action. This can be aggravated for crime and court reporters by the “legge bavaglio” advocated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s ruling coalition, which prohibits the publication of a provisional detention order until the end of the preliminary court hearing. 

Legal framework

A degree of legislative paralysis is holding back the adoption of various bills that have been proposed to preserve and even improve journalistic freedom. This partly explains the limitations that some reporters encounter in their work. The criminalisation of defamation and the numerous SLAPP procedures limit journalistic freedom. 

Economic context

As a result of the economic crisis, the media are increasingly dependent on advertising revenue and state subsidies. The print media is also facing a gradual decline in sales. The result is a growing precariousness that dangerously undermines journalism, its dynamism and its autonomy.

Sociocultural context

The polarisation of society during the Covid-19 pandemic has affected journalists, who have been victims of both verbal and physical attacks during protests against health measures. This polarisation persists, crystallising around political or ideological issues related to current events.

Safety

Journalists who investigate organised crime and corruption are systematically threatened and sometimes subjected to physical violence for their investigative work. Their cars or homes are sometimes destroyed by arson. Online intimidation campaigns are orchestrated against those who pursue these issues. About twenty journalists currently live under permanent police protection after being the targets of intimidation and attacks.

Abuses in real time in Italy

Killed since 1st January 2024
0 journalists
0 media workers
0
Detained as of today
0 journalists
0 media workers
0